Wembanyama has what it takes to emerge in the NBA

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reviewed NBA news this Wednesday in a video call with several media outlets and highlighted the potential of French prodigy Victor Wembanyama.

“He has everything to become a superstar in time,” he said.

Interestingly, what surprised him the most about the young man who was selected number one by the Texas team in the last draft was not on the field.

“The first thing I saw was that his parents did a great job: he’s one of the most mature 19-year-olds I’ve ever met. His character is amazing, his perspective on the world is very mature, he understands who he is and feels comfortable in in his own skin. He knows there are a lot of expectations around him. It’s something he ignores, he knows he has work to do,” he said.

“Many have talent, but those who end up becoming superstars have something that others don’t. It’s something in their mind. They have character, confidence, unique discipline, excellent fundamentals, can compete and are persistent Day after day and year after year. They follow a path that allows them to be excellent, that’s what’s special, that unique character, and not every player has it,” he added.

Wembanyama and the Spurs (2-2) will face the Phoenix Suns again this Thursday, from whom they came back in the last moments on Tuesday (114-115), and on Sunday they will host the Toronto Raptors.

As for the style of play and the position he believes Wembanyama will develop best, Popovich is in no rush.

“We’re in observation mode at this point, we don’t know what his game will be like yet. I think his natural abilities are very broad. We have to see what he’s most effective at, if it’s passing, in transition, if it can be a perimeter player. To see him is the best way to find out where he fits best and how he can contribute more to the team,” he pointed out.

The outside shot does seem essential to his development, but above all else, defense is non-negotiable.

“We give him the freedom to shoot threes and learn when it’s a good time to shoot and when it’s not, whether it’s a good shot or not,” he commented.